Description
Enjoy creamy seafood-stuffed pasta shells filled with a delicious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, shrimp, crab, and scallops, all smothered in a rich marinara cream sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 large pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the large pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta shells in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Add chopped shrimp, crab meat, and scallops to the cheese mixture. Ensure seafood is cooked and chopped into small pieces.
- Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until evenly distributed.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Pour in marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until well combined and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spoon the seafood and cheese mixture into each cooled pasta shell. Place stuffed shells seam-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the creamy marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed shells, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a gooey finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the filling to set.
- Before serving, sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the seafood based on your preferences or availability.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes